by Deepak Sawant 
Mumbai, August 15 – On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, Maharashtra’s government gifted Mumbai with five new infrastructure projects, including two bridges, a new flyover, a section of the Mumbai Coastal Road, and a foot overbridge at the international airport. These projects, long awaited by Mumbaikars, are expected to reduce traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and make daily travel more convenient.
The inauguration was carried out by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who both emphasized that these projects will transform urban mobility in Mumbai. Officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) also highlighted that these new facilities will not only cut down travel time but also support sustainable development.
Let’s take a closer look at each project, its importance, and how it will benefit the people of Mumbai.
1. South Asia’s First Curved Cable-Stayed Bridge on Western Express Highway
The highlight of the Independence Day launch was the opening of South Asia’s first curved cable-stayed bridge, built over the Western Express Highway (WEH).
This bridge is part of the Santacruz-Chembur Link Road (SCLR) extension, which began construction in 2016. It connects Mumbai’s eastern suburbs and Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) by allowing motorists to bypass the traffic-heavy Kalina junction. Drivers will now be able to move directly from SCLR to WEH via the Vakola flyover, saving precious time during rush hours.
Deputy CM Fadnavis described it as a “historic achievement,” adding that the bridge will significantly ease east-west connectivity in Mumbai.
Although the bridge cost nearly ₹1,000 crore and faced several delays, its opening is seen as a turning point for Mumbai’s overburdened road network. However, traffic flow issues on the WEH still remain, and officials believe these will be solved once the second phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road is completed.
2. Kalina-Kalanagar Flyover Expansion
Another crucial project inaugurated is the new branch of the Kalanagar flyover, which will allow vehicles coming from Dharavi’s T-junction to directly move towards South Mumbai and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
The 340-meter flyover, built at a cost of ₹20 crore, is designed to ease congestion at the Kalanagar junction, one of the busiest traffic points in Mumbai. Motorists not headed to Kalanagar can now bypass it entirely, reducing overall jams in the area.
With this addition, five out of six planned entry and exit points to BKC are now ready. The final connection, linking the Asian Heart Hospital road to Vakola via the Air Force station, is expected to be completed by December this year.
3. Mumbai Coastal Road Promenade
The Mumbai Coastal Road project, one of the city’s most ambitious infrastructure works, also saw a major milestone. A 5.25 km-long promenade along the Coastal Road has now been opened to the public.
This promenade stretches from Worli Dairy to Haji Ali junction and Bhulabhai Desai Road, with multiple pedestrian underpasses for safe access. Once fully completed, the promenade will extend up to 7.5 km, making it one of Mumbai’s largest public recreation spaces.
Transport experts believe this project is a game-changer because it not only supports vehicular movement but also gives back open space to the people of Mumbai. The promenade will serve as the city’s “green lungs,” with parks and seating areas by the sea, allowing citizens to reconnect with the waterfront.
However, Chief Minister Shinde also warned citizens not to misuse the road by performing dangerous stunts or rash driving. The entire stretch is under CCTV surveillance, and traffic violations will be strictly penalized.
4. Foot Overbridge at Mumbai International Airport
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC), in collaboration with MMRDA, has opened a 100-meter-long foot overbridge at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport’s Terminal 2.
This bridge connects the metro station directly to the airport terminal, making it easier for passengers to travel without worrying about traffic delays. Equipped with elevators and modern facilities, the foot overbridge ensures smooth last-mile connectivity between the metro and the airport.
According to MMRC, “Passengers can now walk straight from the metro station to Terminal 2 within minutes,” reducing dependency on road transport around the airport.
5. Additional Coastal Road Connectivity and Safety Measures
Alongside the promenade, the first phase of the Mumbai Coastal Road is now operational 24 hours a day, unlike earlier when it was closed at night.
Deputy CM Fadnavis explained that since WEH currently carries 60% of suburban traffic, the government is also working on a Northern Coastal Road extending to Bhayandar. This parallel highway is expected to balance the load on Mumbai’s main expressways and reduce bottlenecks.
The government has also installed surveillance cameras across the Coastal Road to ensure safety and discipline. Pedestrians and cyclists will have designated spaces, while motorists are being urged to drive responsibly.
What These Projects Mean for Mumbai
The inauguration of these five projects marks a significant step towards solving Mumbai’s notorious traffic issues.
- Reduced Travel Time: The SCLR extension and Kalanagar flyover will cut down daily commute times for thousands of motorists.
- Better East-West Connectivity: Travelers can now move more efficiently between the city’s eastern and western suburbs.
- Public Spaces for Citizens: The Coastal Road promenade offers much-needed open space, helping improve the city’s quality of life.
- Improved Airport Access: The new foot overbridge ensures smoother connectivity for domestic and international flyers.
- Long-Term Planning: With work already underway on the second phase of the Coastal Road and the Northern Coastal Road, Mumbai’s road network is being future-proofed.
Voices from the Leaders
CM Eknath Shinde said, “These projects will transform Mumbai’s infrastructure and bring relief to people who face long traffic jams daily.”
Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis added, “The Coastal Road and SCLR expansion are not just about easing traffic but also about shaping Mumbai as a global city with modern infrastructure.”
MMRDA Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee also stressed that these developments will “strengthen urban mobility, make transport flexible, and support the city’s growing economic capacity.”
Conclusion
On the 77th Independence Day, Mumbai received five new infrastructure projects that promise to reshape travel, ease congestion, and improve the city’s urban landscape. From South Asia’s first curved cable-stayed bridge to the Coastal Road promenade and improved airport connectivity, each project is a major milestone.
For the people of Mumbai, these projects are not just about roads and bridges—they represent saved time, easier travel, and a better quality of life.
As the city continues to expand, such investments in infrastructure are critical to ensuring Mumbai remains India’s financial and cultural hub.
